A healthy routine and constant support help you maintain your addiction recovery. But now your recovery meetings are cancelled, and you’re advised to stay at home as much as possible. While social distancing may play a major role in overcoming the coronavirus (COVID-19), it doesn’t help your recovery much.
In fact, social distancing and isolation are the exact opposite of what people in recovery need to do. So, when states are recommending these actions to help prevent contracting and spreading COVID-19, what’s your next move?
Your health and safety are your biggest priorities during this time and it’s important to follow social distancing protocols. But another part of your health and sobriety is connection. While it’s natural to feel isolated right now, we’re here to shed some light on how you can stay connected with your social networks.
4 Ways to Connect During the COVID-19 Outbreak
1. Look into Virtual Support Meetings
Even if your regular support meetings have been cancelled due to COVID-19, social distancing doesn’t have to stop you from getting the support you need. There are plenty of opportunities for virtual meetings to help you keep your recovery on track.
If you went to a residential treatment program, start by reaching out to that addiction treatment center. Chances are there is an alumni network that you can virtually connect with. Another good option is to look into joining In The Rooms. It’s an online group for people in recovery. The group hosts a variety of virtual meetings that you will be able to attend to get the ongoing support you need during this time.
2. Set Up Regular Calls with Friends and Family
If you’ve ever worked in the corporate world, you know that sometimes your calendar is filled with meetings and calls. While it might seem inconvenient at work, it can be helpful for your recovery right now. Start by creating a list of friends and family members who have been helpful during your recovery.
The next step is setting up a re-occurring call with them. In the midst of social distancing, your friends and family might have more free time and appreciate the opportunity to connect. Having regular calls will help your recovery by giving you some structured routine. You’ll also have the benefit of not losing contact with some of the most important people in your life.
3. Start Listening to Recovery Podcasts
When you’re in recovery, sometimes hearing someone else’s story can help you get new perspective about your own journey. Recovery and addiction podcasts give you the ability to do just that. Here are two examples that can get you started:
• Busy Living Sober: This podcast is all about giving people the opportunity to learn about a sober lifestyle from Elizabeth Chance, someone who has actually gone through addiction, treatment and recovery.
• Recovery Happy Hour: This podcast was created by Tricia Lewis, who believes that people in recovery need connection. In each podcast, listeners are reminded that recovery is possible, and they don’t have to go through it alone.
4. Be More Active on Social Media
In recovery, it’s common to get advice to limit your use of social media. Comparing yourself to others can be counterproductive to your healing process. But with COVID-19 and social distancing, we’re in a unique situation. Social media can give you an outlet to reach out and connect with other people in recovery.
If you’re interested in trying to use social media while limiting its negative effects, a good rule of thumb is to limit your use to recovery-centered pages and posts only. Posting about your story and hearing feedback from the community can give you a higher sense of connection.
The Importance of Being Proactive
There’s no question that COVID-19 has added a lot of uncertainty to our daily lives. And with that uncertainty, many people in recovery have added anxiety. The danger of this increased stress and anxiety is that people will look for a way to cope with it. And having more idle time only increases the risk of relapse.
It’s important to stay proactive with your recovery. There is still hope for lasting sobriety and the resources we listed above can help get you started. While it may be a little more challenging, you have the ability to forge a new recovery routine. Do your best to stay ahead of your recovery. And if you feel like you need some extra support, you’re not alone.
The Raleigh House is Here to Support Your Journey
The Raleigh House is Colorado’s premier drug and alcohol treatment center that has helped people recover from addiction for over 10 years. During a time when it’s easier than ever to feel isolated, we’re here to remind you that you’re not alone. And if you’re thinking about getting help for your addiction, COVID-19 shouldn’t stop you from reaching out.
At The Raleigh House, we know you have the potential to create a life free of substance abuse and destructive behaviors. Contact our expert team today. They are ready to hear your story and help answer any questions you might have. No matter where your addiction has taken you, lasting recovery is within your reach.
